San Sebastian Film Festival 2025: Berger, Denis, Vanderbilt Lead Star-Studded Competition Additions

San Sebastian Film Festival 2025: Berger, Denis, Vanderbilt Lead Star-Studded Competition Additions

The 73rd San Sebastian Film Festival, set to run from September 19-27, 2025, has unveiled a significant wave of new titles for its Official Selection, bolstering its competition lineup with acclaimed international directors. Among the most anticipated additions are new features from Edward Berger, James Vanderbilt, and Claire Denis, who will vie for the prestigious Golden Shell award. This announcement promises a strong showing of diverse cinematic voices at one of the most important film events in the Spanish-speaking world.

A Stellar Competition Lineup Expands

Edward Berger, fresh off the success of his Oscar-winning “All Quiet on the Western Front,” returns to San Sebastian with “Ballad of a Small Player.” Starring Colin Farrell as a high-stakes gambler adrift in Macau, the new film also features Tilda Swinton and Fala Chen in its casting. Berger’s previous entries at the festival include “Conclave,” indicating a strong relationship with the Spanish cinematic gathering.

James Vanderbilt, known for his screenwriting work on “Zodiac” and “The Amazing Spider-Man,” presents “Nuremberg.” The historical drama stars Rami Malek as psychiatrist Douglas Kelley, who assesses Nazi prisoners on the eve of the Nuremberg trials, and Russell Crowe as Hermann Göring. The movie is an adaptation of Jack El-Hai’s book, “The Nazi and the Psychiatrist,” promising a deep dive into a pivotal historical period.

French auteur Claire Denis, a recipient of the FIPRESCI Prize at San Sebastian for “High Life,” is set to compete with “The Fence” (also known as “Le Cri des Gardes”). This film is an adaptation of Bernard-Marie Koltès’ play “Combat de nègre et de chiens” and explores colonial tensions, featuring a notable cast including Isaach de Bankolé, Matt Dillon, and Mia McKenna-Bruce. Denis’ consistent presence and accolades at major festivals underscore her significant contribution to contemporary cinema.

Notable Debuts and Special Screenings

Beyond the competition, the festival will also host significant works in its Special Screenings section. French icon Juliette Binoche will present her directorial debut, “In-I in Motion.” This film is a documentary exploring her 2007 dance and theatre project with choreographer Akram Khan. Also screening out of competition is “Climbing for Life,” directed by Junji Sakamoto. This movie tells the inspiring true story of Junko Tabei, the first woman to conquer Mount Everest.

The expanded Official Selection also includes other compelling titles. Dolores Fonzi’s “Belén,” Joachim Lafosse’s “Six Days in Spring,” Olmo Omerzu’s “Ungrateful Beings,” and Xiaoyu Qin’s “Her Heart Beats in Its Cage” are among the other films vying for the Golden Shell. These additions join previously announced entries, ensuring a rich and varied program for the film festival.

Festival Context and Anticipation

The San Sebastian Film Festival, recognized by the FIAPF as a Category A festival, has a long history of championing diverse global cinema. The dates for the 73rd edition, September 19-27, 2025, place it as a key event in the international film festival circuit, often serving as a launchpad for awards season contenders. The festival’s commitment to showcasing both established and emerging talent, alongside its rigorous selection process, makes each announcement highly anticipated by industry professionals and cinephiles alike. This new release of casting and directorial contributions from such prominent figures signals another strong year for the festival, promising compelling cinematic experiences and generating buzz for future movie premiere news. As the industry looks ahead, San Sebastian remains a vital platform for discovering and celebrating the best in contemporary filmmaking, with this latest lineup further solidifying its prestigious reputation.